Rennie's River Trail
Rennie's River Trail
4.5
About
Meandering along the course of Rennie’s River, this 2.9 km trail connects Quidi Vidi Lake with Long Pond. Starting from the Memorial University Campus, pass through a peaceful wooded valley and long-established residential neighbourhoods. See historic places, including the sites of Rennie’s Mill and the former Memorial Stadium.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
84 reviews
Excellent
61
Very good
22
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Ronald M
Loveland, CO288 contributions
Sep 2016 • Solo
After 2 and a half weeks of hiking and sightseeing, I needed an easy scenic walk to end my visit. I met a brother and sister from the area that suggested scenic walk to end my visit. I met a brother and sister from the area that suggested Rennie's River trail, and it is just what I needed. I started at the Dominion parking lot across from Quidi Vidi Lake and went west across King's Bridge Rd. Once in about 100 meters, no city noises just the sound of the river, until you get to Memorial Drive near the Confederation Building. I stopped at Memorial, but you can cross the street and continue for another 300 to 400 meters. Returning was equally as pleasent and round trip was about 5.3K. Very refreshing
Written September 16, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bmancan
Essex, VT41 contributions
Aug 2011
First time visitors and even frequent visitors to the city (even some residents) overlook this beautiful river and trail system which is embedded into the charm and unique beauty that is St. John's.
Many people are drawn to Signal Hill, George Street, downtown, etc. as they should. But if you want to experience an invigorating walk and tour through the heart of the city, follow this natural artery and feel the pulse of St. John's living at its best.
From Pippy Park, the river flows through central St. John's into Quiddi Viddi lake. You can google to find official sites on the river and the Grand Concourse foundation which manages the trail, but I will offer my personal perspective and highlights.
Depending how much time you have and where you are staying, you can access the river from many spots. You can park on Elizabeth Street near Churchill Square, on Carpasian Road, Rennies Mill or Monkstown road, etc. and you will see bridges and steps down to the river. I will suggest parking near Quiddi Viddi, try the Dominion parking lot. Hey if you have time, you can even warm up by walking around the lake (another beautiful trail). Note, this is not a bike friendly trail, best to stay on foot. We managed a baby stoller with 2 people to carry down a few sets of stairs.
From Dominion (the old Memorial Stadium, walk west (away from the lake) and cross Kings Bridge Road (use the crosswalk!!!). You will see a subtle trail and a narrow part of the river. As you start your walk you will notice some beautiful homes along Circular and adjacent roads, some which built decks from their lawn to enjoy the river.
You will pass tennis courts, baseball diamonds, playgrounds and fields, and benches. In about 10 minutes you will see a nice open field with a gazebo. Depending which side of the river you walk on, be sure to divert into the bridge (after you climb some stairs). This is a rapid part of the river with waterfalls. Stand on the birdge and soak in the sights, smells, and sounds. You can see old homes over the treelines on Circular road, southside hills, the Basilica, and the Rooms.
As you continue, notice how people take pride in their properties that back up to the trail. You will pass joggers and many friendly people out for a stroll with their pets. Stop anywhere there is a bridge, road crossing or open area near the river, and you will most likely spot ducks and trout. St. John's is known for the old victorian and row-housing, but this trail shows some other more modern and equally beautiful homes/properties in the central area of the city.
Cross Elizabeth Avenue, and continue walking another few minutes. You will come up on a bench area about 10 feet from the path. Go in there to see the natural swimming hole / whirlpool. If you don't feel like swimming, you can walk out around the flat rocks, and get close to nature. Then look up and you will see a prime photo opportunity of the Confederation Building between the tree line.
At this point you can continue up towards Pippy Park, but I suggest heading back, turn right and stop by Churchill Square. My nan used to live there and I have fond memories of the farmers market and stopping in the convenience store for ice cream etc. Tim Hortons, a pub, and A&W are located there among other shops, if you feel its time for a break or snack.
Then head back and enjoy it all again! If you like that, try continuing on the Virginia River system after you make it back to the Lake. When I lived in St. John's, I used to jog the Rennies River trial on my way to work out at the YMCA. Other times, I'd stroll down and wander into many areas where one can just sit on a rock with feet in the water and unwind from a busy day.
Please let me know if you get a chance to break away from the busier and tourist areas of the city, and experience a gem of the city that many residents use daily. I'd like to hear your experience and opinion.
Many people are drawn to Signal Hill, George Street, downtown, etc. as they should. But if you want to experience an invigorating walk and tour through the heart of the city, follow this natural artery and feel the pulse of St. John's living at its best.
From Pippy Park, the river flows through central St. John's into Quiddi Viddi lake. You can google to find official sites on the river and the Grand Concourse foundation which manages the trail, but I will offer my personal perspective and highlights.
Depending how much time you have and where you are staying, you can access the river from many spots. You can park on Elizabeth Street near Churchill Square, on Carpasian Road, Rennies Mill or Monkstown road, etc. and you will see bridges and steps down to the river. I will suggest parking near Quiddi Viddi, try the Dominion parking lot. Hey if you have time, you can even warm up by walking around the lake (another beautiful trail). Note, this is not a bike friendly trail, best to stay on foot. We managed a baby stoller with 2 people to carry down a few sets of stairs.
From Dominion (the old Memorial Stadium, walk west (away from the lake) and cross Kings Bridge Road (use the crosswalk!!!). You will see a subtle trail and a narrow part of the river. As you start your walk you will notice some beautiful homes along Circular and adjacent roads, some which built decks from their lawn to enjoy the river.
You will pass tennis courts, baseball diamonds, playgrounds and fields, and benches. In about 10 minutes you will see a nice open field with a gazebo. Depending which side of the river you walk on, be sure to divert into the bridge (after you climb some stairs). This is a rapid part of the river with waterfalls. Stand on the birdge and soak in the sights, smells, and sounds. You can see old homes over the treelines on Circular road, southside hills, the Basilica, and the Rooms.
As you continue, notice how people take pride in their properties that back up to the trail. You will pass joggers and many friendly people out for a stroll with their pets. Stop anywhere there is a bridge, road crossing or open area near the river, and you will most likely spot ducks and trout. St. John's is known for the old victorian and row-housing, but this trail shows some other more modern and equally beautiful homes/properties in the central area of the city.
Cross Elizabeth Avenue, and continue walking another few minutes. You will come up on a bench area about 10 feet from the path. Go in there to see the natural swimming hole / whirlpool. If you don't feel like swimming, you can walk out around the flat rocks, and get close to nature. Then look up and you will see a prime photo opportunity of the Confederation Building between the tree line.
At this point you can continue up towards Pippy Park, but I suggest heading back, turn right and stop by Churchill Square. My nan used to live there and I have fond memories of the farmers market and stopping in the convenience store for ice cream etc. Tim Hortons, a pub, and A&W are located there among other shops, if you feel its time for a break or snack.
Then head back and enjoy it all again! If you like that, try continuing on the Virginia River system after you make it back to the Lake. When I lived in St. John's, I used to jog the Rennies River trial on my way to work out at the YMCA. Other times, I'd stroll down and wander into many areas where one can just sit on a rock with feet in the water and unwind from a busy day.
Please let me know if you get a chance to break away from the busier and tourist areas of the city, and experience a gem of the city that many residents use daily. I'd like to hear your experience and opinion.
Written August 18, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
dundr2015
Victoria, Canada132 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
This is the perfect connector to get from the Pippypark Campground to downtown St John's on foot. Unfortunately bikes are not allowed on the trail. It's a little over 3 km - but all flat and along the little river, far away from cars. There are quite a few information signs which makes the walk to town seem longer than it actually is. Coming back home to the RV was really fast.
The easiest way to get to downtown from the trail is by walking along King's Bridge Road and then follow Duckworth or Water Streets.
The easiest way to get to downtown from the trail is by walking along King's Bridge Road and then follow Duckworth or Water Streets.
Written May 28, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
swwoodruff
Longyearbyen, Norway24 contributions
Oct 2015 • Friends
Rennie's River winds through St John's and the trail, boardwalk or smooth gravel all the way, is completely free from traffic except for one road crossing. You'll enjoy peace and quiet, good exercise, and a fine view of some of the nicest houses in town.
Written October 27, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
mdfry
St. John's, Canada50 contributions
Aug 2014 • Friends
I love this little trail. Starts just down from the confederation building and winds through the city along a river bringing you right to Quidi Vidi. I park at Pippy Park and then cross the highway twice to get on it. It is groomed very well and has various benches along the trail. Sometimes I walk the trail to Quidi Vidi then I head up Torbay Road pass the huge historic homes to downtown for a coffee.
Written August 3, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Douglas H
St. John's, Canada31 contributions
Apr 2014 • Family
The Rennie's River Trail is a really nice river side walk in the heart of St.John's It is well maintained and pretty, great for pets and families. Easy to access.
Written April 6, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Trib21
Nova Scotia, Canada47 contributions
Jun 2013 • Friends
This was a highlight of the trip. The flowers were in full bloom, and the views of the river were delightful. There were lots of places to take pictures, have a picnic and to have a sit down and relax.You could spend a couple of hours just wandering around and enjoying the quiet.
Written June 29, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
David W
Halifax, Canada201 contributions
Jun 2012 • Solo
I parked the car near Bannerman Park (for free) and found the trail fairly easily, continuing up to Kent's Pond. The path is very well marked, and crosses the street in several places (there is usually a crosswalk). I think the nicest part of the trail is up by the Confederation Building, where there are several ponds as well as the Flavarium. The trail was not very busy at all -- perfect for a walk or run (I brought my dog with me).
Written June 15, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Terry M
St. John's, Canada67 contributions
Aug 2018 • Family
A leisurely walk along the river bed with its twists and turns throughout the older section of St.John's.....take your dog!!
Written February 12, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sarah S
126 contributions
Jan 2019 • Business
I run or walk on this trail regularly. It has gravel paths and wooden boardwalks, right along the river. Usually see lots of ducks, and very peaceful..
Written January 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ellie K
10 contributions
Time in minutes taken to walk the trail?
greaume
Toronto, Canada693 contributions
The trail is roughly 5k round trip from Quidi Vidi lake. That will get you not quite to the end of the trail, there is a bit more if you cross over a busy road, but it didn't look like it was worth the extra distance. So depending on your speed, perhaps an hour.
Rennie's River Trail (St. John's) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Rennie's River Trail
- Hotels near Rennie's River Trail:
- (0.27 mi) Ramada by Wyndham St. John's
- (0.39 mi) Fairfield Inn & Suites St. John's Newfoundland
- (0.37 mi) Capital Hotel
- (0.51 mi) Sandman Signature St. John's Hotel
- (3.17 mi) Rendell - Shea Manor
- Restaurants near Rennie's River Trail:
- (0.36 mi) Jack's Restaurant
- (0.35 mi) Menchie's Kenmount Road
- (0.39 mi) Fionn MacCool's
- (0.43 mi) Montana's
- (0.52 mi) Moxies